The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#1)

REASON #1

CHRIST

Without Him there would be no Christmas and without Christmas all my other blogs would be obsolete. Christ truly is the reason for the season. People always mention the special feeling that's associated with Christmas day and all the kind of magical stuff that happens. None of that would be true without Christ. Today would just be another cold, snowy winter day.

It is extremely important to remember Him on this day. I do not consider myself an intellect and there are certainly a great many things I do not know. However, I DO know one thing---Christ is the Savior of the World. I know and believe all that He did and stood for. I also know I still have many, many, many things to learn about him--but I am willing to do so.

As we say goodbye to another Christmas I hope that each of us can keep a little bit of the season in our hearts all year long. Hope, kindness, charity, friendship, peace, prosperity, love--can't we share these blessings all year long? I wish that we will--we're going to need them with the tough times that are ahead.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!!

THANK YOU FOR READING MY SILLY LITTLE WORDS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du7-1c2ZMLw

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#2)

REASON #2

GIFTS

I specifically mean the giving of gifts.

Yeah right, you know you like to GET gifts Steph. Don't pretend like you're one of those people who don't like gifts.

Yes, I do enjoy opening gifts--who doesn't? But I really, really enjoy the tradition of giving gifts to others. This is one of the only times of the year I actually enjoy shopping! It is fun to go out and find a gift for someone who is special to you. I am actually very happy with the gifts I found to give to my family and friends this year. Some of them have already opened their gifts and it was a treat to see the look of wonder and surprise in their eyes. That truly is a gift in and of itself.

SCHMALTZY, STEPH!

However, through my 5 years or so of working in retail, I have come upon the ugly side of gift giving. This monster will no doubt rear it's ugly head as I work tomorrow--which is very unfortunate. It is so sad how commercial this joyous holiday has become. I really don't like how people think they have to buy, buy, buy all kinds of crap. It's sad that parents think they have to buy shopping carts full of toys for each of their kids. Kids have too much stuff these days!

You sound like an old woman, Steph.

Yeah, well, I don't care.

People have forgotten why gifts are given in the first place! It's not about impressing people, or spending money, or keeping up with the Jones'! It's not about having the coolest gadgets or most popular toys. None of that matters!!! Gifts are supposed to come from the heart. The wise men gave the first Christmas gifts in honor of the birth of the Savior. The Savior himself did nothing but give during his lifetime and gave all of us the ultimate gift by paying the ultimate price.

It's not the gift itself that matters--it's the thought, the time, the preparation, and the reason behind the gift. It is a way to say how you feel about someone--it shows that you truly care.

That is why I like giving gifts to people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNsvE33pRSw

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#3)

REASON #3

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Every year, sometime AFTER Thanksgiving, I pull out my Christmas CDs and listen to nothing but the sweet sounds of the season. I also listen to the radio stations that play nothing but Christmas music---however, their songs are not always sweet. It's a sad fact, but sometimes people who shouldn't be singing at all decide they need to put out a Christmas CD to keep up with the Jones'. I guess that's true with any type of music, though.

There are a lot of Christmas songs I love and it is hard to say which one is my favorite. I really, really love "O Holy Night", but it HAS to be sung by the right person. Unfortunately, that is a song that is commonly butchered. I also like "Silver Bells", "What Child is This?", "Baby, It's Cold Outside", and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". There aren't too many Christmas songs that I DON'T like. I guess if anything I just don't like a song that's sung badly.

The thing that is neat about this time of year is when you hear a Christmas song that you love but have forgotten about. It's also cool when you realize how many, many Christmas songs you know the words to. Any other time of the year I can't sing along to virtually every song on a station--but Christmas is different. I love the songs that bring out the spirit of the season. Music is such a powerful tool and should be a part of all of our lives.

And now, one of my all-time favorite songs from one of the best Christmas movies ever!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR_8kmOmxyk

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#4)

REASON #4



FAMILY AND FRIENDS


That might seem a little generic because you usually see your family and friends all year long. However, I am referring to the family and friends you don't get to see quite as often. For reasons that are either a mystery or way obvious, this time of year is when you get to see these people. Christmas brings people together for celebrations and reunions. I love it when a friend from out of state comes home for the holidays. They come, of course, to see their families but it is also a treat for me! It would have stunk to live in the days without e-mail, telephone, or even airplanes.

However, I am a little bummed out too. Is it just me or do seem to happen less and less? It just seems like there aren't as many parties or reunions like there used to be. I don't know if this is just in my life or what. Maybe it is one of those, "When you get older people drift apart" kind of things--you know, those things that kind of bite.

Something I haven't really touched on yet is how this time of year can make you feel lonely or blue. I wasn't planning on getting into the negatives since these are supposed to be reasons why I LOVE Christmas--but I feel it kind of fits in with this particular blog. If you don't have loved ones around or if you are very, very, very single (ahem) Christmas can be lonely. I've known this feeling all too well, which is why I believe family and friends are an essential ingredient to the Christmas experience.

Here's something that kind of matches but not really--I just love it nonetheless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkLAsPslUVM

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#5)

REASON #5

CHRISTMAS MOVIES/TV SPECIALS

I really enjoy Christmas movies--the good ones I should say. There are certain movies I try to watch each year (they are the options for my poll on the right). Like with decorations a good Christmas movie is traditionally watched year after year. In my family we always enjoy watching "A Christmas Story". My parents like it because it reminds them of their childhood and I like it because it's just a really funny movie. Christmas movies sometimes have the power to bring everyone together in laughter and tears.

I had a scientific breakthrough this year--"It's a Wonderful Life" truly is an amazing movie!

(Wow Steph, what rock have you been hiding under?)

I just haven't watched it in years and I think that now that I am older I appreciate it more than I did before. So far it has generated the most votes on my little poll and I absolutely concur that it is the best Christmas movie ever (although I did vote for "A Christmas Story" but that was before I watched it).

This is going to sound cheesy but I also like watching the Christmas episodes of my favorite TV shows. I know they're often cliche and schmaltzy (especially shows from the 80s and early 90s) but I just love them! Who remembers the Home Improvement where little Mark Taylor sees Santa Claus, the Saved By The Bell where the gang works at the mall, or how about the infamous Simpson's where Bart shop lifts from the Try-N-Save? Then there's the always inspiring "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and the delightful "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" cartoon. Classics! I love them, I don't really know why. Memories, I suppose.

If you haven't already done so pull out your favorite Christmas movie and watch it sometime this week. You might need to dust off the VCR and stick in an old VHS--but it's totally worth it!

Oh, and the classic Christmas commercials are always fun too.

Like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq8_HwdGHHA&NR=1

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#6)

REASON #6

LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS

Anyone who has ever been to my house knows that we are totally in to decking the halls for Christmas. My mother has dedicated an entire closet (a small closet, be it) in our basement just for decorations alone. However, not all her decorations fit in the closet, which is kind of sad. I have inherited that trait from her--although I am many, many years away from achieving the same level.

The thing I like about decorations is they usually have some sort of story behind them. We have some old ones from when my parents were first married and I even have an old Santa Claus that was my grandmother's. It is also nice to try and get a new decoration every year so a new memory can be attached to it. This is usually best with ornaments.

Speaking of ornaments, I think my favorite decoration of all is the Christmas Tree. Yes, I would prefer a REAL tree, but even the artificial ones are special. My parents have had the same one for most of my life, and it is BIG! TEN FEET TALL--WOOT! I have a weird thing now where I need a Christmas tree to be AT LEAST six feet tall. Any tree smaller than that does not count in my eyes. Christmas trees are also cool because there are many, many decorations (the ornaments) on a decoration. However, a Christmas tree is NOT a Christmas Tree unless it has lights!

Speaking of lights--I LOVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!! Twinkling lights against the sparkling snow--what more could you ask for? If you don't have little Christmas nick-knacks you AT LEAST need Christmas lights. They are a must! I have to say I have one big pet peeve when it comes to lights. I do not like houses that are decked out in white lights--ONLY white lights! I'm sorry, but that is way, way too boring! It is okay to do all red or all green but all white is ridiculous. I also don't like houses that cover every corner in lights, i.e. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Yeah, I know I'm picky.

I definitely think lights and decorations help bring the spirit of Christmas to life. It just is not Christmas without a little holiday decor.

Oh, you've totally got to watch this--it's CRAZY AWESOME!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgrQdxzFAtM

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#7)

REASON #7

SANTA CLAUS

You know what? I like Santa Claus! I think he's freakin' awesome!!! Just think about it--he's a guy who's not really young (at least, not anymore) and lives up where it is cold ALL the time. I mean, a lot of old people go to Florida, but Santa's so cool (pun intended) that he lives at the North Pole! He takes care of reindeer and gives jobs to poor little elves who have a hard time finding work on their own. He's also been married for a long, long time--hundreds of years, in fact.

Of course, the best thing about Santa is his willingness to travel all over the world just to give toys to children. How sweet is that? He never asks for anything in return--though I know he loves cookies and milk. Well, I guess he does have one request, "Don't be naughty--be nice." The nice children get presents and the naughty ones get coal. That's simple enough to remember, right?

No, no, don't be all "adulty" with me now. I do believe in Santa Claus! Even when you're old and grey if you still believe in Santa you still have a piece of childhood.

Santa is awesome!!!

And now a word from the king...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66MeELjLmw0&feature=PlayList&p=33550FE4BBB48958&playnext=1&index=7

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#8)

REASON #8

FOOD (and drinks)

Although you might cry about it come January the food you consume during Christmas is absolutely wonderful! Ham, potatoes, eggnog, cheese balls, cocoa, pie, turkey, fudge, rolls, wassail, chocolate oranges, popcorn...the list is endless!

Something I find interesting is that this is one of the only times of the year where food can be given as a gift--and is thoroughly enjoyed. Have you ever received a big tin bucket full of 4 flavors of popcorn? Or perhaps a basket of cheese? Anything from the Western Nut Company? Ferrero Rochette (which are REALLY good, by the way)? Stephen's Cocoa from your neighbors? Uh huh, you see my point?

So food is a necessity--that is certainly certain! I mean, what kind of shindig would it be w/o some yummy grub?

Food=Win

That's all I have to say about that!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MadGwgiRgAM

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#9)

REASON #9

WINTER BREAK

During Christmas you get a nice little break from school. It varies from what kind of school you attend and where you live but is still a break nonetheless. If, like me, you're a college student, this break is the much needed "sigh of relief" that comes after an extreme amount of stressing and studying for the cursed F-Word---finals.

(Come now, you didn't really think I meant THAT word, did you?)

Hmmm, this blog isn't nearly as long as I hoped it would be. I guess it is the kind of thing you don't need to ramble on about. Everyone likes a break from school, right? I sure do! The fact that you don't need to worry about homework during this time of year (unless your teacher is some kind of freak) is the icing on the cake. Right? Am I right?

Okay, well, enjoy this little clip then!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9re6CQZGFw&feature=channel_page

(P.S. If anyone can tell me how you can post a clip by doing the little screen thing I would be most grateful! :)

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#10)

I haven't written a blog in awhile so I decided to do one a day to count down to Christmas.

Ten--isn't it usually twelve?

(I was going to do twelve but I sort of missed two days--heh, heh, oops.)

Anyway, so these blogs will talk about ten reasons why I love this holiday oh so very much.


REASON #10

SNOW

Yes, it is a pain to drive in but it just isn't Christmas without the white stuff. Just picture this scene---it's Christmas Eve and you're sitting by a fireplace (alone or with a sweetheart--if you have one). You're drinking hot cocoa (Stephen's--of course) and are snuggled up in a soft, warm blanket. As you debate about whether you're going to go to bed or wait for Santa a little longer you glance out the window. What do you see? Falling crystals against the dark of night. Glittering flakes of pure, white snow. Untouched by the hands of man or beast. It is the definition of serenity.

Oh man, I love snow at Christmas! I love that it covers the earth in white. It's so beautiful! I don't think I really have to say much else. I guess you could listen to "White Christmas" if you need further explanation. (Hmmm--good idea). I don't know how I would handle Christmas in a warm climate (well, Hawaii wouldn't be so bad). In the recipe for a "Perfect" Christmas, snow is a must--for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vPfOjAw5Z0

I Agree with Andy Rooney???

Yeah, I guess I do. Normally I find him a grouchy old man who hates everybody and is extremely liberal. Well, I guess all that is still true. However, I happened to watch him yesterday and I actually ditto what he said to the core.

"One of the ways we divide our year is with holidays. The Fourth of July is the beginning of summer. Labor Day is the beginning of a new year. New Year's Day isn't really the beginning of anything except a new calendar. Thanksgiving is our most American holiday and it's good because we don't have to DO anything on Thanksgiving except maybe eat turkey and watch football. That's why I object to the way it's being squeezed out by Christmas. The trouble is, there's no money in Thanksgiving for businesses. People trying to sell things want to skip right over it and get to Christmas. Christmas is far and away the most commercial holiday we have.

Some stores do 30 percent of their whole year's business in the period before Christmas. That's why they try to make it last a long time by starting it earlier every year. Here it is four days before Thanksgiving and the stores are already all about Christmas. The big department stores have their Christmas windows fixed up. They're good to look at, but they're too soon, that's all. It ought to be against the law to start Christmas before December. In the malls, some stores have had their Christmas decorations up since October. Kids are sitting on Santa Claus' lap telling him what they want before their parents know where they're going to get the money to pay for it. In New York City, they put up the tree in Rockefeller Center ten days ago - 41 days before Christmas. The Salvation Army already has its bell ringers on the streets, looking for Christmas donations.

Everyone is trying to make whatever they have to sell seem like a Christmas present. Shoes are not a Christmas present at any time of year. On television, there are unlikely Christmas gifts. How would you like a bottle of Pepto Bismol for Christmas? For the past six weeks, we've been getting magazines with special Christmas or "holiday" subscription offers. When you open a magazine, these holiday flyers fall out like confetti. In advertising, "holiday" is the new, religiously correct name for Christmas. I like Christmas presents, Christmas music, Christmas trees, Christmas cards. I like the Christmas spirit. What I don't like is the way people whose only interest in Christmas is money have moved in on a nice, non-commercial holiday as Thanksgiving. " - Andy Rooney 11/23/08

I was planning on writing my own "Don't Forget about Thanksgiving" blog but now I don't have to. Now all that there's left to do is wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Ramblings about October

I have always liked the month of October. The leaves change, the weather begins to get chilly, and everyone is anticipating the second best holiday of the year--HALLOWEEN! Not only is Halloween a freakin' great holiday in and of itself, but my birthday is the day after. I am one of the few people I know that has two days worth of partying like that. (It's pretty sweet--but I am actually going to talk more about it later on.) October is a good month, unlike stupid September.

Anyway, despite all that goodness, there are a couple of things about this month that I despise. I don't like it when the weather yo-yo's like it's been doing. Yo-yo-ing is a September thing, NOT October. Seriously, it SNOWED today and it'll (apparently) be in the 70s later this week. What's that about? NOT COOL (ha ha, literally). My point is that when October rolls around we are all supposed to be ready with our jackets and sweaters with all our summer gear stored away for the winter. That's just the way it is supposed to be!

The second thing I hate about October is BASEBALL!!! I don't watch baseball and I think it is a boring sport unless you are playing it. However, I wouldn't mind it being on TV except for the fact that IT IS ALWAYS ON FOX WHEN THE SIMPSONS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ON!!! There are certain days when I really need a "Simpsons Fix" but in October I am always denied BECAUSE OF STUPID BASEBALL!!! Ohhhh, that just annoys me so much!!!

Now, this doesn't always happen, but the overall October experience gets assaulted by the dirty games of the Presidential Election. I'm sure it would be unnecessary to tell you that this year has been ESPECIALLY dirty! Frankly, I am so sick of hearing about it I could very well hurl myself off of a bridge--in a sense. (And the sad thing is I haven't really been THAT involved in it at all.) I wish we could just have it next week just to get it over with. I kind of hate the fact my birthday will be spent still being annoyed and stuff.

The thing that bugs me the most about this month are the people who think they need to start thinking about Christmas! Now, this may be a topic for a future blog, but you should NOT PUT UP CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS OR START "CELEBRATING" CHRISTMAS UNTIL AT LEAST THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING!!! I know people who put up their stuff on my birthday. THAT IS WRONG!!! Thanksgiving is a very, very important holiday that is frequently overlooked (again, another blog topic for sure). But it is incredibly ridiculous when people and especially stores start putting out the Christmas stuff NOW!!! Last year at JC Penney the company made us have Christmas decorations up ON Halloween. I mean, the store was decorated for Christmas ON HALLOWEEN!!! You know how SICK that is? UGH!

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN PEOPLE! HALLOWEEN IS AWESOME!!! AND DRESS IN A COSTUME FOR PETE'S SAKE!!!

But now, as a final thought, I just want to reiterate the fact that I like October very much. It's a good transition month. We just got over the craziness of the summer and we still have a little time before the madness of the end of November and December. It may be hard with all the ugly stuff going on, but let's all try to take a breather this month. I think it may help us all!